For Immediate Release  
September 6, 2006
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Local Support Energizes National Effort to Recognize Region for its Intrinsic Value in Telling the American Story 

Waterford , Virginia – The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership's campaign to be recognized as the nation's 28th National Heritage Area continues to move forward as counties and towns along the four-state corridor join their neighbors in passing resolutions of support. According to the Partnership, in anticipation of a hearing to be scheduled in the United States House of Representatives in September, communities have been passing resolutions of support to demonstrate to congressional leaders the enthusiastic grass roots support for the initiative. The legislation to create The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area was introduced by Congressman Frank Wolf and Senator George Allen in June 2006.

In recent weeks the following jurisdictions have passed resolutions of support in favor of the National Heritage Area designation: Frederick County, Maryland, Board of Commissioners; the Rappahannock County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors; and the Gordonsville, Virginia, Town Council.   In June, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich sent letters of support to their respective Congressional Delegations.

John W. McCarthy, County Administrator for Rappahannock County, said of the passage of the resolution in Rappahannock County: “Unanimous passage by the Supervisors of the resolution in support of the Journey is recognition of the strong contribution heritage tourism plays in the economic growth of Rappahannock County and the incredible historic resources of this region and along the entire 175-mile route of the Journey.”

According to the Partnership, public opinion about The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area designation has been overwhelmingly supportive.  The Partnership has a growing list totaling over 150 partners in four states, representing leading businesses, citizens, policy groups and elected officials.   Over 58 registered, elected organizations, each of whom has chosen to consider the facts, deliberate in open forums, and then chosen to support the proposed National Heritage Area designation.   

"Our congressional leaders are listening and acting upon direct constituent support," said Cate Magennis Wyatt, president of the JTHG Partnership. "Communities up and down the Journey are proud of the role their communities play in telling the American story and recognize the economic value in this national designation."

According to the National Park Service, NHA status is a national honorary designation that functions as a federal "seal of approval" acknowledging the depth of historic assets in the corridor and its importance to American cultural heritage.  The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, if approved, will become the nation's 28th National Heritage Area and one of the nation's most historically extensive.  In addition, NHA status would help boost the local economy by promoting tourism, educational programs, and raising national awareness of the area's cultural and historic assets.

Addressing the direct concerns of property rights advocates, both House and Senate versions of the NHA legislation explicitly protect the rights of private property owners and prevent NHA status from infringing upon existing rights of state and local government to determine land use and zoning regulations.   These added protections reinforce property rights already embedded in the National Heritage Area program.  A report from the Government Accounting Office, dated March 30, 2004, and presented as testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is unequivocal in its conclusion that National Heritage Areas do not infringe upon property rights.  

The following paragraph, in a section titled, "National Heritage Areas Do Not Appear to Have Affected Individual Property Rights," states:

"Despite concerns about private property rights, officials at the 24 heritage areas, Park Service headquarters and regional staff working with these areas, and representatives of six national property rights groups that we contacted were unable to provide us with a single example of a heritage area directly affecting—positively or negatively—private property values or use." (Page 14, GAO-04-593T, National Heritage Areas)

The full text of the GAO report is available on the National Park Service Website, at: http://www.cr.nps.gov/heritageareas/LEG/gao_report.pdf.

The Frederick County measure also contained specific language protecting the rights of property owners and preserving local control of zoning and land use regulations. In moving to approve the resolution, Commissioner Mike Cady, Vice President of the Board and County liaison to the Tourism Council, emphasized that “these programs do not in any way affect, impair or abridge the rights of the property owner and that the boundaries of the Scenic Byway and Heritage Area will not alter, amend or vary any existing local zoning or land use regulations.”

Cate Magennis Wyatt added: "The outpouring of public support for the Journey by elected officials, business leaders, historians, and citizens alike is tribute to the rich history and proud heritage we all share along this incredible region.   The Congressional legislation, to designate the Journey as a National Heritage Area, will be a milestone in bridging America’s past with our region’s future.”